This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
